ESPN is releasing a new tvOS app for the fourth-generation Apple TV that allows viewers to watch up to four live sporting events simultaneously.

espn tvos four streams
The multicast feature means a sports fan could, for example, watch two NFL games, an MLB postseason game, and an NBA game on a Sunday in October all at once, with each stream taking up an equally-sized quadrant of the TV.

There are multiple viewing modes to select from, including one with a large stream on the left alongside three smaller streams on the right.

The idea isn't new—there's a similar two-stream feature in the MLB.TV app for Apple TV—but ESPN says its implementation offers up to four streams and has a streamlined user interface, according to Recode.


The new ESPN app should be rolling out as a free update on the tvOS App Store today in the United States.

Tag: ESPN

Top Rated Comments

MobileMikeV Avatar
76 months ago
With a 4K AppleTV and a 2160p display this could allow a viewer to watch the four games in 1080p, each at native resolution in its respective quadrant.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
djeeyore25 Avatar
76 months ago
Watch up to four commercials simultaneously!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nburwell Avatar
76 months ago
I could only see myself utilizing this feature during college football season.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mnsportsgeek Avatar
76 months ago
('https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/16/new-espn-apple-tv-app-four-streams-multicast/')

The multicast feature means a sports fan could, for example, watch two NFL games, an MLB postseason game, and an NBA game on a Sunday in October all at once, with each stream taking up an equally-sized quadrant of the TV.
Nice try, but these things never air at the same time on ESPN/ABC. The best application will be college football.

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With a 4K AppleTV and a 2160p display this could allow a viewer to watch the four games in 1080p, each at native resolution in its respective quadrant.
RIP my data cap.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Boatboy24 Avatar
76 months ago
"The multicast feature means a sports fan could, for example, watch two NFL games, an MLB postseason game, and an NBA game on a Sunday in October all at once, with each stream taking up an equally-sized quadrant of the TV."

Nice try, but these things never air at the same time on ESPN/ABC.
[doublepost=1502891400][/doublepost]

RIP my data cap.
Was thinking the same thing. 1) ESPN doesn't have 2 NFL games on Sunday. 2) In October, MLB games will likely be on major networks. 3) Who cares about the NBA - especially in October? :p
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thisisnotmyname Avatar
76 months ago
I'm really over ESPN. I just want live content directly from the leagues with OTT solutions.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)